U.S. patent application number 14/608635 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for device and method of shielding region of display screen.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Shihu CHENG, Chunhuan HAO, Bin JU, Ming LI, Shunchang PEI, Yanjun XU, Yi ZHAO, Yongxuan ZHU.
Application Number | 20150213274 14/608635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53679344 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150213274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
XU; Yanjun ; et al. |
July 30, 2015 |
DEVICE AND METHOD OF SHIELDING REGION OF DISPLAY SCREEN
Abstract
A device and a method of shielding a region of a display screen
in the device are provided. The method includes: acquiring at least
one of shield information of an application executed in the device,
and a shielding operation performed by a user to shield the region
of the display screen; and shielding the region of the display
screen based on the acquired at least one of the shield information
and the shielding operation.
Inventors: |
XU; Yanjun; (Beijing,
CN) ; JU; Bin; (Beijing, CN) ; HAO;
Chunhuan; (Beijing, CN) ; CHENG; Shihu;
(Beijing, CN) ; PEI; Shunchang; (Beijing, CN)
; LI; Ming; (Beijing, CN) ; ZHAO; Yi;
(Beijing, CN) ; ZHU; Yongxuan; (Beijing,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
53679344 |
Appl. No.: |
14/608635 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04842 20130101;
G06F 21/6245 20130101; G06F 2221/032 20130101; G06F 3/0481
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/60 20060101
G06F021/60; G06F 3/0484 20060101 G06F003/0484; G06F 3/0481 20060101
G06F003/0481 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 29, 2014 |
CN |
201410042900.2 |
Mar 3, 2014 |
CN |
201410074655.3 |
Jan 16, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0008254 |
Claims
1. A method of shielding a region of a display screen in a device,
the method comprising: acquiring at least one of shield information
of an application executed in the device, and a shielding operation
performed by a user to shield the region of the display screen; and
shielding the region of the display screen based on the acquired at
least one of the shield information and the shielding
operation.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shielding the region of the
display screen comprises: selecting a region of the display screen
according to the acquired at least one of the shield information
and the shielding operation; and shielding the selected region.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the shielding the selected region
comprises shielding a display image corresponding to the selected
region.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the shielding the display image
corresponding to the selected region comprises displaying a shield
window, which is fixedly synchronized with the display screen, on
the selected region.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the shield window is moved within
the display screen based on an operation of the user.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the shielding the selected region
comprises shielding a content comprised in the selected region.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the shielding the content
comprises displaying a shield window for shielding the content,
which is synchronized with the content, on the selected region.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the shielding the region of the
display screen comprises modifying a display image of the region on
the display screen.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: acquiring at least
one of the shield information and a clearing operation performed by
the user to completely or partially clear a shield region of the
display screen; and displaying a content comprised in all or a
portion of the shield region of the display screen based on the
acquired at least one of the shield information and the clearing
operation.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the displaying the content
comprises: selecting a clearing region from the shield region of
the display screen, based on the acquired at least one of the
clearing operation of the user and the shield information; and
displaying a content comprised in the selected clearing region.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having
recorded thereon a program, which, when executed by a computer,
performs the method of claim 1.
12. A device for shielding a region of a display screen, the device
comprising: an input unit configured to acquire at least one of
shield information of an application executed in the device, and a
shielding operation performed by a user to shield the region of the
display screen; a controller configured to select the region of the
display screen based on the acquired at least one of the shield
information and the shielding operation; and a display configured
to shield the selected region.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the display is further
configured to shield a display image corresponding to the selected
region.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the display is further
configured to display a shield window, which is fixedly
synchronized with the display screen, on the selected region.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the shield window is moved
within the display screen based on an operation of the user.
16. The device of claim 12, wherein the display is further
configured to shield a content comprised in the selected
region.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the display is further
configured to display a shield window for shielding the content,
which is synchronized with the content, on the selected region.
18. The device of claim 12, wherein: the input unit is further
configured to acquire at least one of the shield information and a
clearing operation performed by the user to completely or partially
clear a shield region of the display screen; the controller is
further configured to select a clearing region from the shield
region of the display screen, based on the acquired at least one of
the shield information and the clearing operation of the user; and
the display is further configured to display a content comprised in
the selected clearing region.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein: the controller is further
configured to verify the acquired at least one of the shield
information and the clearing operation; and the display is further
configured to display the content when the verification is
successful.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein: the input unit is further
configured to acquire sight focus information of the user; and the
controller is further configured to select the clearing region as a
region corresponding to a sight focus of the user based on the
acquired sight focus information of the user.
21. A device for shielding a region of a display screen, the device
comprising: a controller configured to: select the region of the
display screen based on an acquired at least one of shield
information of an application executed in the device, and a
shielding operation performed by a user to shield the region of the
display screen; and shield the selected region of the display
screen and output the display screen in which the selected region
is shielded.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the controller is further
configured to shield a display image, of the display screen,
corresponding to the selected region.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the controller is further
configured to output a shield window, which is fixedly synchronized
with the display screen on the selected region.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein the shield window is moved
within the display screen based on an operation of the user.
25. The device of claim 21, wherein the controller is further
configured to shield a content comprised in the selected
region.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the controller is further
configured to output a shield window for shielding the content,
which is synchronized with the content in the selected region.
27. The device of claim 21, wherein the controller is further
configured to: select a clearing region from the shield region of
the display screen, based on an acquired at least one of the shield
information and a clearing operation performed by the user to
completely or partially clear a shield region of the display
screen; and control to output for display a content comprised in
the selected clearing region.
28. The device of claim 27, wherein the controller is further
configured to: verify the acquired at least one of the shield
information and the clearing operation; and control to output for
display the content when the verification is successful.
29. The device of claim 27, wherein the controller is further
configured to select the clearing region as a region corresponding
to a sight focus of the user based on acquired sight focus
information of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2015-0008254, filed on Jan. 16, 2015 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Chinese Patent Application No.
201410042900.2, filed on Jan. 29, 2014 in the State Intellectual
Property Office of the People's Republic of China, and Chinese
Patent Application No. 201410074655.3, filed on Mar. 3, 2014, in
the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of
China, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their
entireties by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Apparatuses and methods consisting with exemplary
embodiments relate to shielding all or a region of a display
screen.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, with the rapid development of the electronics
industry and communication technology, new services based on data,
voice and video are rapidly developing. The rapid development of
micro-electronic technology and computer hardware and software
technology provides a basis for terminals for processing more
complex work, and eliminates network restrictions so that the
terminals may have powerful functions. Also, the development of
information technology may lead to intelligent, mobile, and
multi-functional terminals.
[0006] In order to provide convenience to users and enhanced visual
effects, a device such as a mobile phone may have a large screen.
Due to the large screen, information may easily be exposed when the
device is used in public. To prevent information exposure, methods
such as data encryption, data saving by permission, screen savers,
and screen lock are being used. However, since these methods are
performed on an entire screen of the device, which is larger than a
region of information to be shielded, a normal use of the device
may be affected.
SUMMARY
[0007] Aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments provide a
method of shielding all or a region of a display screen, a device
performing the method, and a non-transitory computer-readable
recording medium having recorded thereon a program, which, when
executed by a computer, performs the method.
[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
description, or may be learned by practice of exemplary
embodiments.
[0009] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is
provided a method of shielding a region of a display screen in a
device, the method including: acquiring at least one of shield
information of an application executed in the device, and a
shielding operation performed by a user to shield the region of the
display screen; and shielding the region of the display screen
based on the acquired at least one of the shield information and
the shielding operation.
[0010] The shielding the region of the display screen may include:
selecting a region of the display screen according to the acquired
at least one of the shield information and the shielding operation;
and shielding the selected region.
[0011] The shielding the selected region may include shielding a
display image corresponding to the selected region.
[0012] The shielding the display image corresponding to the
selected region may include displaying a shield window, which is
fixedly synchronized with the display screen, on the selected
region.
[0013] The shield window may be moved within the display screen
based on an operation of the user.
[0014] The shielding the selected region may include shielding a
content included in the selected region.
[0015] The shielding the content may include displaying a shield
window for shielding the content, which is synchronized with the
content, on the selected region.
[0016] The shielding the region of the display screen may include
modifying a display image of the region on the display screen.
[0017] The method may further include: acquiring at least one of
the shield information and a clearing operation performed by the
user to completely or partially clear a shield region of the
display screen; and displaying a content included in all or a
portion of the shield region of the display screen based on the
acquired at least one of the shield information and the clearing
operation.
[0018] The displaying the content may include: selecting a clearing
region from the shield region of the display screen, based on the
acquired at least one of the clearing operation of the user and the
shield information; and displaying a content included in the
selected clearing region.
[0019] According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment,
there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable recording
medium having recorded thereon a program, which, when executed by a
computer, performs the method.
[0020] According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment,
there is provided a device for shielding a region of a display
screen, the device including: an input unit configured to acquire
at least one of shield information of an application executed in
the device, and a shielding operation performed by a user to shield
the region of the display screen; a controller configured to select
the region of the display screen based on the acquired at least one
of the shield information and the shielding operation; and a
display configured to shield the selected region.
[0021] The display may be further configured to shield a display
image corresponding to the selected region.
[0022] The display may be further configured to display a shield
window, which is fixedly synchronized with the display screen, on
the selected region.
[0023] The shield window may be moved within the display screen
based on an operation of the user.
[0024] The display may be further configured to shield a content
included in the selected region.
[0025] The display may be further configured to display a shield
window for shielding the content, which is synchronized with the
content, on the selected region.
[0026] The input unit may be further configured to acquire at least
one of the shield information and a clearing operation performed by
the user to completely or partially clear a shield region of the
display screen, the controller may be further configured to select
a clearing region from the shield region of the display screen,
based on the acquired at least one of the shield information and
the clearing operation of the user, and the display may be further
configured to display a content included in the selected clearing
region.
[0027] The controller may be further configured to verify the
acquired at least one of the shield information and the clearing
operation, and the display may be further configured to display the
content when the verification is successful.
[0028] The input unit may be further configured to acquire sight
focus information of the user, and the controller may be further
configured to select the clearing region as a region corresponding
to a sight focus of the user based on the acquired sight focus
information of the user.
[0029] According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment,
there is provided a device for shielding a region of a display
screen, the device including: a controller configured to: select
the region of the display screen based on an acquired at least one
of shield information of an application executed in the device, and
a shielding operation performed by a user to shield the region of
the display screen; and shield the selected region of the display
screen and output the display screen in which the selected region
is shielded.
[0030] The controller may be further configured to shield a display
image, of the display screen, corresponding to the selected
region.
[0031] The controller may be further configured to output a shield
window, which is fixedly synchronized with the display screen on
the selected region.
[0032] The shield window may be moved within the display screen
based on an operation of the user.
[0033] The controller may be further configured to shield a content
included in the selected region.
[0034] The controller may be further configured to output a shield
window for shielding the content, which is synchronized with the
content in the selected region.
[0035] The controller may be further configured to: select a
clearing region from the shield region of the display screen, based
on an acquired at least one of the shield information and a
clearing operation performed by the user to completely or partially
clear a shield region of the display screen; and control to output
for display a content included in the selected clearing region.
[0036] The controller may be further configured to: verify the
acquired at least one of the shield information and the clearing
operation; and control to output for display the content when the
verification is successful.
[0037] The controller may be further configured to select the
clearing region as a region corresponding to a sight focus of the
user based on acquired sight focus information of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more
readily appreciated from the following description of exemplary
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on a device according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of shielding all or a
region of a display screen on a device according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on a device according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a process of moving a
shield window on the device of FIG. 3;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a shield window that shields all or a
region of a display screen on the device of FIG. 3;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on a device according to another
exemplary embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a shield window that shields all or a
region of a display screen on the device of FIG. 6;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a shield window that shields all or a
region of a display screen on a device according to another
exemplary embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on a device according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of shielding all or a
region of a display screen on a device according to another
exemplary embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a process of shielding
all or a region of a display screen or clearing a shield on the
display screen according to the method of shielding all or a region
of the display screen of FIG. 10;
[0050] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary structure of a
device that shields all or a region of the display screen of FIG.
1; and
[0051] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another exemplary structure of
a device that shields all or a region of the display screen of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout. In this regard, exemplary embodiments may have
different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the
descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments
are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain
aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of,"
when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of
elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
[0053] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described more
fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary
embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as
being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.
[0054] The terms used in the present specification and claims
should not be understood by their ideal or literal meanings, but by
meanings that correspond to the scope of the inventive concept.
[0055] Throughout the specification, it will also be understood
that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" another
element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or
electrically connected to the other element while intervening
elements may also be present. Also, when a part "includes" or
"comprises" an element, unless there is a particular description
contrary thereto, the part can further include other elements, not
excluding the other elements.
[0056] In the present specification, the term "content" refers to
an object that is displayed on a display screen and may be selected
according to a user input. The content includes images, text, and
videos, and may include icons, link information, replay videos,
background images, unlock screens, and keyboard images.
[0057] The term "tap" refers to quickly touching a screen with a
finger or a stylus of a user. In other words, "tap" refers to a
case where a difference between a touch-in time (when the finger of
the stylus contacts the screen) and a touch-out time (when the
finger or the stylus is detached from the screen) is very small and
less than a predetermined time.
[0058] The term "touch and hold" refers to touching the screen with
the finger or the stylus of the user and maintaining the touch
input for a predetermined time or more. In other words, "touch and
hold" refers to a case where a difference between a touch-in time
and a touch-out time is equal to or greater than a predetermined
time. A visual or an auditory feedback signal may be provided when
a touch input is maintained for a predetermined time or longer so
that the user may recognize whether the touch input is "tap" or
"touch and hold."
[0059] The term "double tap" refers to quickly touching the screen
twice with the finger or the stylus of the user. For example, the
term "double tap" may refer to successive "taps" whereby the
difference in time between the "taps" is less than a predetermined
time.
[0060] The term "hovering" refers to proximity touching a space
near a screen with the finger or the stylus of the user. In other
words, "hovering" refers to a case where the finger or the stylus
is located within a predetermined distance from the screen.
[0061] The term "drag" refers to touching the screen with the
finger or the stylus of the user and moving the finger or the
stylus to another location while touching the screen. The "drag"
may include a sliding operation.
[0062] The term "flick" refers to quickly dragging with the finger
or the stylus of the user. The "drag" and "flick" may be
distinguished based on whether a moving speed of the finger or the
stylus is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed.
[0063] The term "pinch" refers to touching the screen with a
plurality of fingers or a plurality of styluses of the user and
increasing or reducing intervals between the fingers or the
styluses. After touching the screen with the thumb and the index
finger of the user, an operation of increasing intervals between
the thumb and the index finger is referred to as "unpinching," and
an operation of reducing the intervals is referred to as
"pinching." For example, a page may be zoomed in by an unpinching
input and zoomed out by a pinching input.
[0064] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on a device 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, the device 100 may display a display
screen that includes a predetermined content, and shield (e.g.,
shield from exposure) a region of (i.e., all or a portion of) the
display screen based on an operation of a user or preset
information. According to exemplary embodiments, when shielding all
of the display screen, the device 100 does not turn off the display
screen or change the screen to a different application (e.g., a
home screen).
[0066] In detail, the device 100 may shield a portion of the
display screen corresponding to the certain region or a content
included in the certain region to protect the certain region of the
display screen from exposure. For example, the device 100 may
display a predetermined image or a shield window in the certain
region of the display screen.
[0067] Also, in order to shield all or a region of the display
screen, the device 100 may modify a display image of a content
included in all or a region of the display screen. For example, the
device 100 may display the content in a blurry, dark, or
transparent manner, or display the content as a mosaic.
[0068] Even when the device 100 is used in a public place, the user
may use a display screen shielding function of the device 100 to
prevent an exposure of personal information of the user or
information of a content used by the user. Also, the user may avoid
watching unwanted contents, such as harmful information or
advertisements.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, the device 100 may execute an
application and display an image or content of the application. For
example, when the user executes a social network service (SNS)
application, the device 100 may display an execution window of the
SNS application. Then, in order to shield account information of
the user included in a window of the SNS application, the user may
use a finger 101 or a stylus to tap a certain region of a display
screen which displays the account information of the user. The
device 100 may shield the certain region of the display screen
which corresponds to the tapping operation of the user. For
example, the device 100 may select (e.g., determine, designate,
indicate, or obtain) a certain region that corresponds to an
operation of the user and display a shield window 102 in the
selected region.
[0070] The shield window 102 may be an additional window including
a predetermined image or text. The predetermined image or text may
be preset by default or set by the user. Also, the shield window
102 may be a mosaic or semi-transparent window. The shield window
102 may be synchronously displayed with the display screen or a
content included in the certain region of the display screen.
[0071] The shield window 102 synchronized to the display screen may
indicate that a location of the shield window 102 is fixed on the
display screen and thus is not affected by a change in a window of
an application, such as scrolling. Also, the shield window 102
being synchronized with the content may indicate that a location of
the shield window 102 is fixed to the content or to the window of
the application and thus the shield window 102 moves as the content
or the window of the application is moved in the display
screen.
[0072] The shield window 102 may or may not affect a normal
operation of a shield region. For example, when the shield window
102 is set to affect the normal operation of the shield region, the
shield region shielded by the shield window 102 may not be selected
even when the user touches, taps, or otherwise manipulates the
shield region. However, when the shield window 102 is set to not
affect the normal operation of the shield region, a content in the
shield region may be selected when the user touches the shield
region shielded by the shield window 102. Although the user may not
see the content in the shield region, the user may use the device
100 in the same manner as when the content is seen.
[0073] Also, when an application is executed, the device 100 may
shield all or a region of the display screen based on shield
information (e.g., previously set or default shield information) of
the executed application.
[0074] Shield information of an application includes a shield state
of a display screen with respect to a displayed window of the
application. In detail, the shield information may include at least
one of a method of shielding a certain region of the display
screen, a method of clearing a shield, and an object to be
synchronized with a shield window. For example, based on the shield
information, the device 100 may shield the display screen by
determining at least one of an extent and a location of a shield
region, a shape of the shield window, and a shielding time, which
correspond to the window of the application.
[0075] In detail, when an SNS application is executed, the device
100 may acquire (e.g., from memory or from the application) shield
information of the SNS application. The device 100 may select a
region of a display screen based on the acquired shield
information, and display the shield window 102 in the selected
region. The device 100 may automatically shield the display screen
when the SNS application is executed, by using preset shield
information of the application.
[0076] The device 100 may acquire shield information when an
application is executed and automatically shield a display screen.
Alternatively, the device 100 may use shield information when a
shielding operation of the user is acquired after the application
is executed, and shield the display screen.
[0077] The device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may be
an electronic device including a display screen, for example, a
smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a netbook, a portable
multimedia player, a personal digital assistant, a wearable smart
device, a digital TV, a kiosk, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),
a laptop, a media player, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device,
or other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. However, the
device 100 is not limited thereto, and may include various devices
that may receive a touch input, for example, an electronic
blackboard and a touch table.
[0078] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of shielding all or a
region of a display screen on the device 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 2, in operation 210, the device 100 may
acquire at least one of an operation performed by the user to
shield a certain region of a display screen, and shield information
of an application executed in the device 100.
[0080] The device 100 may acquire a shielding operation from the
user. For example, the device 100 may acquire (e.g., obtain) the
shielding operation by detecting a predetermined manipulation by
the user, e.g., tapping, touching and holding, double tapping,
hovering, dragging, or flicking performed by the finger or the
stylus of the user. Alternatively, the device 100 may acquire the
shielding operation by detecting an operation of wiping the display
screen by using an eraser image displayed on the display screen or
an operation of positioning a cursor in a textbox.
[0081] Furthermore, when the application is executed, the device
100 may acquire the shield information of the executed application.
By using the acquired shield information, the device 100 may
automatically shield the display screen when the application is
executed or shield the display screen when the shielding operation
of the user is acquired after the application is executed.
[0082] In operation 220, the device 100 may shield all or a region
of the display screen based on at least one of the acquired
shielding operation and the acquired shield information of the
application.
[0083] The device 100 may select a certain region to be shielded in
the display screen based on the acquired shielding operation. For
example, based on a dragging operation performed by the user, the
device 100 may select a region from a drag start point to a drag
end point as a region to be shielded.
[0084] According to another example, based on a tapping operation
performed by the user, the device 100 may select a predetermined
region around a tapping point as a region to be shielded.
Additionally, based on a touch and hold operation of the user, the
device 100 may select a predetermined region formed around a touch
point as a region to be shielded. The predetermined region may
include a larger region depending on the holding time
[0085] Also, when the user positions a cursor in a textbox, the
device 100 may select a text region from an initial location of the
cursor to a current location of the cursor as a region to be
shielded.
[0086] Moreover, the device 100 may select a region to be shielded
based on the acquired shield information of the application. The
device 100 may store shield information that corresponds to each
application, or may store shield information that corresponds to a
plurality (or all) applications (e.g., shield information to detect
and shield credit card information or user account information in
any executed application). The shield information of the
application may be preset by default or set by the user.
[0087] Also, the device 100 may store information of an object to
be shielded as the shield information of the application. For
example, the device 100 may store words, expressions, and images
which are harmful, banking information, advertisement information,
or phone number information as the object to be shielded in the
shield information.
[0088] In detail, based on prestored information of the object to
be shielded, the device 100 may select all or a portion of a
content displayed on a display screen as the object to be shielded.
The device 100 may completely shield or partially shield a region
in which the selected content is located.
[0089] For example, when an application is executed and an
advertisement is displayed, the device 100 may scan all contents
displayed on a display screen, determine whether there is a content
including a prestored object (e.g., an advertisement) to be
shielded, and select the displayed advertisement as the object to
be shielded. The device 100 may completely or partially shield a
region in which the advertisement is located, and the user may use
the device 100 without being exposed to the advertisement
information.
[0090] Based on at least one of the acquired shielding operation
and the acquired shield information of the application, the device
100 may select all or a region of the display screen as a region to
be shielded. The device 100 may select a plurality of regions.
[0091] The device 100 may completely or partially shield the
display screen by displaying a shield window, such as a
predetermined image, on a selected region. Also, the device 100 may
completely or partially shield the display screen by modifying a
display image of a content included in the selected region.
[0092] The device 100 may synchronously display the shield window
and the display screen or a content included in all or a region of
the display screen.
[0093] The device 100 may move the displayed shield window based on
an additional operation of the user. For example, when the user
touches and drags the shield window, the device 100 may move the
shield window to a dragged location and display the shield
window.
[0094] Also, the device 100 may adjust a shield region where the
shield window is displayed or a non-shield region where the content
is normally displayed, based on the additional operation of the
user. For example, when the user touches and drags a boundary of
the shield window, the device 100 may modify the boundary of the
shield window and adjust the shield region or the non-shield
region.
[0095] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on the device 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0096] In FIG. 3, the device 100 may shield a portion of a display
screen corresponding to a selected region to protect all or a
region of the display screen. In detail, the device 100 may display
a shield window 301, which is synchronized with the display screen,
on a selected region.
[0097] A left image of FIG. 3 shows a display screen of the device
100 displaying a window of a first application, and a right image
of FIG. 3 shows a display screen of the device 100 displaying a
window of a second application.
[0098] In a state where the shield window 301 synchronized with the
display screen is displayed, when the window of the first
application is converted to the window of the second application,
the device 100 may display the shield window 301 at an identical
location in the display screen. Also, the device 100 may display
the shield window 301 in the same manner even when the window of
the first application is closed.
[0099] FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a process of moving a
shield window 401 on the device 100 of FIG. 3.
[0100] Referring FIG. 4, the device 100 may display the shield
window 401 that is synchronized with a display screen. When a
window of a first application is converted to a window of a second
application, the device 100 display the shield window 401 in an
unchanged (i.e., fixed) manner.
[0101] The user may prefer different locations for a region to be
shielded on the window of the first application and a region to be
shielded on the window of the second application. The user may
perform a shielding operation and display a new shield window, or
alternatively, shield the region to be shielded on the window of
the second application by using the shield window 401 that is
already being displayed.
[0102] In detail, the user may touch and drag the shield window 401
by using the finger or the stylus and move the shield window 401 to
another location. The device 100 may receive an additional
operation from the user, for example, touching and dragging, and
move the shield window 401 to a dragged location based on the
additional operation and display the shield window 401.
[0103] The device 100 may display the shield window 401 that
affects a normal operation of a shield region. In other words, when
the user touches the shield window 401, the device 100 may acquire
a touch operation with respect to the shield window 401 but may not
acquire a touch operation with respect to a shield region (i.e., a
shielded region of the application screen) shielded by the shield
window 401.
[0104] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a shield window 501 that shields all
or a region of a display screen on the device 100 of FIG. 3.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 5, the device 100 may acquire a shielding
operation from the user or shield information of an application,
and thus display the shield window 501 for shielding all or a
region of the display screen.
[0106] The device 100 may display the shield window 501, which is
synchronized with the display screen, on a selected region.
[0107] When a window displayed on the display screen is scrolled,
the device 100 may display the shield window 501 at an identical
location in the display screen. Also, the device 100 may display
the shield window 501 in an identical size and shape even when a
window displayed on the display screen is zoomed in or zoomed
out.
[0108] FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on a device 100 according to
another exemplary embodiment.
[0109] In FIG. 6, the device 100 may shield a content included in a
selected region to completely or partially protect the display
screen. In the selected region, the device 100 may display a shield
window 601, which is synchronized with the content (e.g.,
synchronized with the particular application), on the selected
region.
[0110] Left and right images of FIG. 6 show display screens of the
device 100 displaying a window of a first application, and an image
in the middle shows a display screen of the device 100 displaying a
window of a second application.
[0111] In a state where the shield window 601 synchronized with the
content is displayed, when the window of the first application is
converted to the window of the second application, the device 100
may clear the shield window 601 and display another shield window
602. In detail, the device 100 may acquire shield information of
the second application, and display the shield window 602 based on
the shield information of the second application.
[0112] Also, when the shield window 601 is cleared, the device 100
may store information of the shield window 601 as shield
information of the first application, and use the shield
information of the first application when the window of the second
application is converted again to the window of the first
application. In detail, the device 100 may clear the shield window
602 when the window of the second application is converted again to
the window of the first application, and display the shield window
601 based on the stored shield information of the first
application.
[0113] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a shield window 701 that shields all
or a region of a display screen on the device 100 of FIG. 6.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 7, the device 100 may acquire a shielding
operation from the user or shield information of an application,
and thus display the shield window 701 for shielding all or a
region of a display screen.
[0115] In a selected region of the display screen, the device 100
may display the shield window 701 that is synchronized with a
content included in all or a portion of the selected region of the
display screen.
[0116] When a window displayed on the display screen is scrolled,
the device 100 may move the shield window 701 along with the
content and display the shield window 701. As shown in FIG. 7, when
the window displayed on the display screen is scrolled downward,
the device 100 may move the shield window 701 in the same speed as
the content that is being moved upward. Also, when the window
displayed on the display screen is zoomed in or out, the device 100
may zoom in or out of the shield window 701 in the same ratio as
the content.
[0117] Therefore, the user may continue to shield the content even
when scrolling, zooming in on, or zooming out of the window
displayed on the display screen.
[0118] The device 100 may use various methods to synchronize the
shield window 701 and the content or a window of an
application.
[0119] For example, the device 100 may acquire a snapshot of an
original display of a shield region and store the snapshot in
shield information of an application. When the user drags a window
of the application, the device 100 may acquire direction, force,
distance, and other information of the drag operation, and estimate
a moving location of the shield region. When the snapshot of the
shield region matches an image of the estimated moving location,
the device 100 may display the shield window 701 in a matching
region.
[0120] Alternatively, the device 100 may synchronize the shield
window 701 with a content or a window of an application by using
Optical Character Recognition (OCR). First, the device 100 may
perform character recognition on a shield region by using OCR and
store the characters. When the user drags a window of an
application, the device 100 may perform character recognition on a
whole image of a current display screen by using OCR. The device
100 may use the stored characters in the shield region and display
the shield window 701 in a matching region.
[0121] According to another example, when the user drags a window
of an application, the device 100 may acquire direction, force,
distance, and other information of the drag operation, and estimate
relative displacement information of the window before and after
the drag operation. The device 100 may display the shield window
701 in a corresponding location by using the estimated relative
displacement information.
[0122] Alternatively, the device 100 may set a reference based on a
location of a shield region in a window of an application displayed
on a display screen. The device 100 may control such that a motion
trajectory of the reference is consistent with that of the shield
region, and synchronize the shield window 701 and a content.
[0123] By way of another example, an application displayed on a
display screen may provide an Application Programming Interface
(API) for acquiring a coordinate of a pixel point corresponding to
a certain portion of a content displayed on the display screen and
acquiring a currently displayed content according to the coordinate
of the pixel point. When a shielding operation is requested or
input by the user, the device 100 acquires a set of pixel points in
the shield region, acquires a content corresponding to the pixel
points according to the API, and stores the content. When the
window of the application is dragged, the device 100 may search a
current display screen according to the API and shield a region
corresponding to the content by using the shield window 701. When
there is no corresponding region, the device 100 may not display
the shield window 701, and search again when another shielding
operation is requested.
[0124] The device 100 may display the shield window 701 that is
synchronized with the content and thus continue to adaptively
shield personal information that the user wants to shield or a used
content.
[0125] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a shield window 802 that shields all
or a region of a display screen on a device 100 according to
another exemplary embodiment.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, the device 100 may acquire a shielding
operation (i.e., obtain an input or request for a shielding
operation) from a user or shield information of an application, and
thus display a shield window 802 for shielding all or a region of
the display screen.
[0127] The device 100 may acquire an operation of positioning a
cursor in a textbox as the shielding operation, and select a region
from an initial location of the cursor to a location of a current
cursor 801 as a region to be shielded. The device 100 may
dynamically select the region to be shielded according to the
current cursor 801 that moves as the user inputs characters. The
device 100 may display the shield window 802 in the selected
region, and the shield window 802 may be increased in size as the
user inputs characters.
[0128] Also, when a window of an application includes the textbox,
the device 100 may acquire shield information of the application
and display the shield window 802 for shielding the textbox. The
device 100 may select a region from an initial location of the
textbox to the location of the current cursor 801 as the region to
be shielded, and display the shield window 802 in the selected
region.
[0129] The user may move the current cursor 801 to another location
by using a touch operation or a cursor moving button to identify
characters included in a shield region shielded by the shield
window 802. When the current cursor 801 is moved to another
location according to an additional operation of the user, the
device 100 may display the shield window 802 having a different
shape according to the other location of the current cursor
801.
[0130] In this case, the device 100 may display the shield window
802 that does not affect a normal operation of the shield region.
In other words, when the user touches the shield window 802, the
device 100 may acquire a touch operation on the shield region that
is shielded by the shield window 802. The user may select, copy, or
delete characters in the textbox in the same manner as when the
shield window 802 is not provided.
[0131] FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a method of shielding all
or a region of a display screen on the device 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, the device 100 may display a
predetermined image or an additional shield window to shield a
region selected according to a shielding operation of a user or
shield information of an application.
[0133] Also, in order to shield all or a region of the display
screen, the device 100 may modify a display image of a content
included in a certain region of the display screen. For example,
the device 100 may display the content in a blurry, dark, or
transparent manner, or display the content as a mosaic.
[0134] FIG. 9 illustrates various shield windows 901, 902, and 903
displayed in all or a region of the display screen of the device
100.
[0135] For example, the device 100 may display a first shield
window 901 that has a predetermined color and is opaque. The first
shield window 901 may be preset by default, or set by the user and
have a predetermined color, include an image, and/or include
characters.
[0136] Alternatively, the device 100 may display a second shield
window 902 with a mosaic effect. The second shield window 902 may
include a mosaic image of a content in the selected shield region.
When the content in the shield region is a dynamic content such as
a video, the second shield window 902 may include a dynamic mosaic
image.
[0137] Alternatively, the device 100 may display a third shield
window 903 with a semi-transparent effect. The third shield window
903 may include a hazy image as if the content in the selected
shield region is observed through a semi-transparent window. The
user may be able to recognize an outline of the content without
exposing personal information, and thus may easily use the device
100 in an ordinary manner.
[0138] Alternatively, the device 100 may display a shield window
with various effects other than the mosaic effect or the
semi-transparent effect, for example, a blur or darkening
effect.
[0139] A shield window may be preset by default or set by the user.
The shield window may be set differently according to a type of an
executed application, a type of a content in a shield region, or a
type of a shielding operation of the user.
[0140] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of shielding all or a
region of a display screen on the device 100 according to another
exemplary embodiment.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, the device 100 may
acquire at least one of an operation performed by a user to shield
all or a region of the display screen, and shield information of an
application.
[0142] In operation 1020, the device 100 may shield all or a region
of the display screen based on at least one of the acquired
shielding operation and the acquired shield information of the
application.
[0143] The device 100 may select a predetermined region by using at
least one of the shielding operation and the shield information of
the application, and shield the selected region by displaying a
shield window.
[0144] In operation 1030, the device 100 may acquire at least one
of an operation of the user for clearing a shield on the display
screen, and the shield information of the application.
[0145] The device 100 may acquire (e.g., receive a request or input
of) a clearing operation from the user. For example, the device 100
may acquire the clearing operation by detecting tapping, touching
and holding, double tapping, hovering, dragging, or flicking
performed by a finger or a stylus of the user.
[0146] Also, the device 100 may acquire the clearing operation by
detecting an operation of wiping the display screen by using an
eraser image on the display screen or an operation of touching a
cursor in a textbox. The clearing operation for clearing the shield
may be performed on a shield region displayed on the display screen
of the device 100.
[0147] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device 100
may acquire the clearing operation according to sight focus
information acquired by detecting a sight, gaze, or eye focus of
the user.
[0148] Furthermore, the device 100 may acquire an operation of
finishing an executed application as the clearing operation.
[0149] The device 100 may acquire shield information of the
executed application. The shield information may include a method
of clearing a shield on the executed application. For example, the
shield information may include at least one of a type of an
operation of the user for clearing the shield, shield clearing
time, and verification necessary to clear the shield.
[0150] In operation 1040, the device 100 may clear the shield
(e.g., shield window) in the shield region based on at least one of
the acquired clearing operation and the shield information of the
application.
[0151] The device 100 may select a region (e.g., a clearing region)
corresponding to the shield region of the display screen according
to at least one of the acquired clearing operation and the shield
information, and clear a shield in the selected region.
[0152] The device 100 may display a content included in the shield
region to clear the shield. When a shield window is displayed in
the selected region of the display screen, the device 100 may clear
the shield window, and when a display image of a content in the
selected region is modified, the device 100 may display the content
in a normal state set before the modification.
[0153] For example, the device 100 may clear a selected shield
window according to a tapping operation on the shield window
performed by the user.
[0154] Also, the device 100 may display a content included in a
portion of a shield region according to an operation, performed by
the user, of wiping the shield region or the portion of the shield
region.
[0155] Also, the device 100 may display a content included in a
touch point in the shield region according to an operation,
performed by the user, of touching and holding the shield region.
The device 100 may dynamically clear a shield as the user moves the
touch point. In detail, when the touch point is moved, the device
100 may shield a region including a touch point before the
movement, and clear a shield on a region including a touch point
after the movement.
[0156] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device 100
may change a transparency of the shield according to an input of a
user, e.g., dynamically change the transparency according to a
dragging operation.
[0157] When a region is selected to clear a shield, the device 100
may first perform verification, and clear the shield on the
selected region when the verification is successful.
[0158] In order to perform the verification, the device 100 may
acquire a verification password or a clearing operation, from the
user, of drawing a certain (e.g., predetermined or pre-set) shape
when selecting all or a region. For example, the device 100 may
acquire a clearing operation of drawing a triangle, a
quadrilateral, or a circle performed by the user to select all or a
region, and determine whether the clearing operation is appropriate
by comparing an acquired shape and preset verification
information.
[0159] The device 100 may clear the shield on the selected region
when the acquired clearing operation is appropriate.
[0160] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a process of shielding
all or a region of a display screen or clearing a shield on the
display screen according to the method of shielding all or a region
of the display screen of FIG. 10.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 11, when a user is reading an electronic
book (e-book) by using the device 100, a shield appears on the
display screen of the device 100.
[0162] The user who is reading the e-book may not desire contents
of the e-book to be exposed to others. Therefore, the device 100
may shield all regions including characters on the display screen
by using a shield window 1101.
[0163] Also, the device 100 may clear a portion that the user wants
to read so that the user may read the e-book.
[0164] In detail, the device 100 may acquire sight focus
information by detecting a sight focus of the user. The device 100
may clear only a shield on a row 1102 (or a predetermined range of
rows including the row 1102) including or corresponding to the
sight focus by using the acquired sight focus information. The
device 100 may dynamically acquire the sight focus information as
the sight focus of the user moves, and thus dynamically clear the
shield. When the user moves the sight focus, the device 100 may
shield the region where the shield had been cleared, and clear a
shield on a new row corresponding to the movement of the sight
focus.
[0165] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device 100
may acquire a touch and hold operation from the user and clear only
a shield of the row 1102 (or set of rows) that includes or
corresponds to a touch point according to the touch and hold
operation. When the touch point of the user moves, the device 100
may shield the region of which the shield was cleared and clear a
shield on a new row including a moved touch point to provide a
content to the user. When the user completely ends the touch and
hold operation on the display screen, the device 100 may shield all
regions including characters.
[0166] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary structure of the
device 100 that shields all or a region of the display screen of
FIG. 1.
[0167] Referring to FIG. 12, the device 100 may include an input
unit 120 (e.g., inputter or input device), a display unit 130
(e.g., display), a storage unit 140 (e.g., storage), and a
controller 150. FIG. 12 illustrates components related to the
present exemplary embodiment to clearly describe the features of
the present exemplary embodiment. However, one of ordinary skill in
the art may understand that it is possible to additionally include
other components (e.g., software or hardware components) other than
those illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0168] The input unit 120 may be a hardware component for inputting
information for controlling the device 100. For example, the input
unit 120 may be formed (e.g., provided) as a key pad, a keyboard,
one or more physical (e.g., push) buttons, a dome switch, a
touchpad, a trackpad, a jog wheel, a jog switch, a joystick,
etc.
[0169] The input unit 120 may acquire an operation for shielding
the display screen from the user. For example, the device 100 may
acquire a shielding operation by detecting tapping, touching and
holding, double tapping, hovering, dragging, or flicking performed
by a finger or a stylus of the user. Alternatively, the device 100
may acquire the shielding operation by detecting an operation of
wiping the display screen by using an eraser image displayed on the
display screen or an operation of positioning a cursor in a
textbox.
[0170] The input unit 120 may acquire an additional operation for
moving a shield window on the display screen from the user.
[0171] The input unit 120 may acquire an operation for clearing a
shield on the display screen from the user.
[0172] The input unit 120 may receive an operation for verification
or a verification password from the user.
[0173] The display unit 130 is a hardware component that displays
information processed in the device 100. The device 100 may provide
a user interface screen to the user via the display unit 130, and
provide various applications or contents.
[0174] The display unit 130 may shield a region selected by the
user to be shielded. In detail, the display unit 130 may shield a
display screen of the selected region or a content in the selected
region. The display unit 130 may shield the selected region by
displaying a shield window on the selected region.
[0175] The display unit 130 may synchronously display the shield
window with the display screen or the content in the selected
region.
[0176] When a window displayed on the display screen is modified
due to scrolling, the display unit 130 may modify the shield window
according to a modification of the content. For example, when the
content is scrolled, zoomed out, or zoomed in, the display unit 130
may scroll the shield window in the same speed as the content or
zoomed in or out of the shield window in the same ratio as the
content.
[0177] The display unit 130 may clear a shield of a region selected
from the shield region on the display screen by the user to clear
the shield. For example, when the shield window is displayed on the
shield region of the display screen, the display unit 130 may clear
the shield window, and when a display image of a content in the
selected region is modified, the display unit 130 may display the
content in a normal state set before the modification.
[0178] When the controller 150 performs verification, the display
unit 130 may display a verification result that shows whether the
verification is successful.
[0179] The storage unit 140 is a hardware component for storing
information used in the device 100 and may be a Hard-Disk Drive
(HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Random Access Memory (RAM), or
a Read-Only Memory (ROM).
[0180] The storage unit 140 may store shield information of an
application executed in the device 100.
[0181] The shield information includes a shield state of the
display screen with respect to a window of a displayed application.
In detail, the shield information may include a method of
completely or partially shielding the display screen, a method of
clearing a shield, and an object to be synchronized with a shield
window. For example, based on the shield information, the device
100 may shield the display screen by determining an extent and a
location of a shield region, a shape of the shield window, and a
shielding time, which correspond to the window of the
application.
[0182] The storage unit 140 may store the shield information of the
application by default or store shield information set by the
user.
[0183] When the window of the application is converted, the storage
unit 140 may store a shield state of the window of the application
before the conversion as the shield information.
[0184] The controller 150 is a hardware component that includes at
least one processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an
application processor (AP), and controls operations of the device
100.
[0185] The controller 150 may shield all or a region of the display
screen based on at least one of the acquired shielding operation
and the shield information of the application.
[0186] In detail, the controller 150 may select a region of the
display screen based on at least one of the acquired clearing
operation and the shield information, and control the display unit
130 such that the selected region is shielded.
[0187] The controller 150 may select all or a region of the display
screen as a region to be shielded. Furthermore, the controller 150
may select a plurality of regions.
[0188] The controller 150 may shield all or a region of the display
screen by controlling the display unit 130 such that the shield
window (such as a predetermined image) is displayed on the selected
region. Also, the controller 150 may modify a display image of a
content in the selected region so that a modified image is
displayed by the display unit 130.
[0189] The controller 150 may synchronize the shield window for
shielding the display screen with the display screen or the content
in the selected region of the display screen.
[0190] By way of example, the controller 150 may synchronize the
shield window with the content in the selected region of the
display screen by using snapshot matching, OCR, relative location
information, or an API.
[0191] The controller 150 may select a region corresponding to the
shield region of the display screen according to the acquired
clearing operation or the acquired shield information, and control
the display unit 130 so that the shield on the selected region is
cleared. For example, the controller 150 may select a region
corresponding to a sight focus based on sight focus information
acquired from the user, and clear the shield.
[0192] When a clearing operation of the user for clearing the
shield or the shield information is acquired, the controller 150
may verify the acquired clearing operation or the acquired shield
information. When the verification is successful, the controller
150 may control the display unit 130 such that the shield on the
selected region is cleared.
[0193] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another exemplary structure of
a device 100 that shields all or a region of the display screen of
FIG. 1.
[0194] Referring to FIG. 13, the device 100 may include an input
unit 1310 (e.g., inputter or input device), an output unit 1320
(e.g., outputter or output device), a communication unit 1330
(e.g., communicator), a memory 1340, a sight detector 1350, and a
controller 1360. The input unit 1310 may include a touch detection
module 1311 (e.g., touch detector), a motion detection module 1312
(e.g., motion detector), a key detection module 1313 (e.g., key
detector), and a voice detection module 1314 (e.g., voice
detector). The output unit 1320 may include a display unit 1321
(e.g., display), an audio output module 1322 (e.g., audio outputter
or audio output device), and an alarm unit 1323 (e.g., alarm or
alarm device). The communication unit 1330 may include a short
range communication module 1331 (e.g., short range communicator), a
wireless Internet module 1332 (e.g., wireless network adapter,
interface, or transceiver), a mobile communication module 1333
(e.g., mobile communicator), and a wired Internet module 1334
(e.g., wired network adaptor, interface, or transceiver). FIG. 13
illustrates components related to the present exemplary embodiment
to clearly describe the features of the present exemplary
embodiment. However, one of ordinary skill in the art may
understand that it is possible to additionally include hardware or
software components other than those illustrated in FIG. 13 or omit
some of the components illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0195] The input unit 1310 may be a hardware component for
inputting information for controlling the device 100. For example,
the input unit 1310 may be formed as a key pad, a dome switch, a
touchpad, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.
[0196] The touch detection module 1311 may detect a touch gesture
or a touch input of a user, and transmit information regarding the
detected touch gesture or the detected touch input to the
controller 1360.
[0197] The touch detection module 1311 may include various sensors
for detecting a touch or a proximity touch. In order to detect the
touch gesture or the touch input, the touch detection module 1311
may be formed (e.g., provided) as a capacitive sensor, a resistive
sensor, an infrared sensor, an integral strain gauge sensor, a
surface acoustic wave sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, etc.
[0198] Also, the touch detection module 1311 may detect a proximity
touch by using a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is a sensor
that may detect the presence of an object approaching or nearby a
predetermined detection surface by using electromagnetic force or
infrared rays without mechanical contact. Examples of the proximity
sensor include a penetration-type photoelectric sensor, a
direct-reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror-reflective
photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity
sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor,
an infrared proximity sensor, etc.
[0199] The touch gesture or the touch input of the user may include
tapping, touching and holding, double tapping, hovering, dragging,
or flicking.
[0200] The touch detection module 1311 may form a multi-layer
structure with the display unit 1321 and be provided as a touch
screen. In other words, the display unit 130 of FIG. 12 may be
provided as a hardware structure, i.e., a touch screen that
includes the touch detection module 1311 and the display unit
1321.
[0201] The motion detection module 1312 may detect motions of the
device 100 and transmit information regarding the motions of the
device 100 to the controller 1360. For example, the motion
detection module 1312 detects three-dimensional (3D) motions or
rotations when the device 100 moves, not a modification of the
device 100.
[0202] The motion detection module 1312 may include various sensors
for detecting the motions of the device 100. For example, the
motion detection module 1312 may include an acceleration sensor, a
tilt sensor, a gyro sensor, a three-axis magnetic sensor, etc.
[0203] A motion input that may be detected by the motion detection
module 1312 may include a 3D motion input generated when the device
100 is moved to an X-axis, a Y-axis, or a Z-axis direction, a
rotation input generated when the device 100 is rotated to at least
one direction is the 3D space, a shake input generated when the
device 100 shakes in at least one direction, and a tilt input
generated when the device 100 is tilted to a predetermined
direction.
[0204] The key detection module 1313 may detect a command that is
input via a hardware key (for example, arrow keys, letter keys, or
a mouse) by the user. The voice detection module 1314 may detect
voice of the user by using a voice detection engine, and transmit
the detected voice to the controller 1360.
[0205] The output unit 1320 is a hardware component for outputting
an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal.
[0206] The display unit 1321 is a display interface unit for
displaying various types of information, for example, information
processed or to be processed by the device 100, to the user. The
display unit 1321 may display a Graphical User Interface (GUI) so
that the information processed by the device 100 is visually and
intuitively perceived by the user. The display unit 1321 may
perform the functions of the display unit 130 described with
reference to FIG. 12. The display unit 130 of FIG. 12 may be
provided as a hardware structure, i.e., a touch screen that
includes the touch detection module 1311 and the display unit
1321.
[0207] The audio output module 1322 may output audio data received
via the communication unit 1330 or stored in the memory 1340. The
audio output module 1322 may include a speaker or a buzzer.
[0208] The alarm unit 1323 may output a signal to notify an event
occurring in the device 100. The alarm unit 1323 may output a
signal for notifying an event by using at least one selected from
an audio signal, a video signal, and a vibration signal.
[0209] The communication unit 1330 is a hardware component that may
communicate with an external network or an external device.
[0210] The short range communication module 1331 is a module for
communicating within a short range. The short range communication
technology may include Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee,
Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), infrared Data
Association (IrDA), etc.
[0211] The wireless Internet module 1332 is a module for accessing
wireless Internet. The mobile communication module 1333 is for
communicating with a mobile communication network. The wired
Internet module 1334 is a module for accessing wired Internet.
[0212] The memory 1340 is a hardware component for storing
information processed by the device 100 and may be a HDD, a SDD, a
RAM, or a ROM. For example, the memory 1340 may store information
regarding a user interface that is to be displayed via the display
unit 1321.
[0213] The sight detector 1350 is a hardware component that detects
a viewing direction of the user that is watching the display unit
1321 of the device 100, and may be formed as a module such as an
infrared camera or a proximity sensor. The sight detector 1350 may
detect the viewing direction by detecting an eye direction or a
front face direction of the user. The sight detector 1350 may not
only detect the viewing direction, but also estimate a distance
between the display unit 1321 and the user.
[0214] The controller 1360 is a hardware component that controls
operations and functions of the device 100, and may be formed by
using at least one processor, such as a CPU or an AP. The
controller 150 of FIG. 2 may correspond to the controller 1360.
[0215] As described above, according to one or more exemplary
embodiments, a device for shielding all or a region of a display
screen may prevent an exposure of personal information and private
contents such as images and videos of a user. Also, the device may
prevent the exposure of private contents, and simultaneously,
provide ordinary functions so that the user may normally use the
device. In addition, harmful information, disruptive information,
and unnecessary information such as an advertisement may be
prevented so that a comfortable environment is provided to the
user.
[0216] The device described herein may include a processor, a
memory for storing program data executable by the processor, a
permanent storage unit such as a disk drive, a communication port
for handling communications with external devices, and user
interface devices, including a touch panel, keys, buttons, etc.
When software modules or algorithms are involved, these software
modules may be stored as program instructions or computer readable
codes executable on a processor on a computer-readable medium.
Examples of the computer readable recording medium include magnetic
storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), and
optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, or DVDs). The computer
readable recording medium can also be distributed over network
coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is
stored and executed in a distributive manner. This media can be
read by the computer, stored in the memory, and executed by the
processor.
[0217] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0218] For the purposes of promoting understanding of the
principles of the inventive concept, reference has been made to
exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific
language has been used to describe these exemplary embodiments.
However, no limitation of the scope of the inventive concept is
intended by this specific language, and the inventive concept
should be construed to encompass all exemplary embodiments that
would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0219] Exemplary embodiments may be described in terms of
functional block components and various processing steps. Such
functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or
software components configured to perform the specified functions.
For example, an exemplary embodiment may employ various integrated
circuit (IC) components, e.g., memory elements, processing
elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may
carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more
microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the
elements are implemented using software programming or software
elements, an exemplary embodiment may be implemented with any
programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler
language, or the like, with the various algorithms being
implemented with any combination of data structures, objects,
processes, routines or other programming elements. Functional
aspects may be implemented in algorithms that are executed on one
or more processors. Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment could
employ any number of related art techniques for electronics
configuration, signal processing and/or control, data processing
and the like. The words "mechanism," "element," "means," and
"configuration" are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical
or physical embodiments, but can include software routines in
conjunction with processors, etc.
[0220] The particular implementations shown and described herein
are illustrative examples of exemplary embodiments and are not
intended to otherwise limit the scope of the inventive concept in
any way. For the sake of brevity, related art electronics, control
systems, software development and other functional aspects of the
systems may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting
lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are
intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or
physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It
should be noted that many alternative or additional functional
relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be
present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is
essential to the practice of exemplary embodiments unless the
element is specifically described as "essential" or "critical."
[0221] The use of the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar referents
in the context of describing the inventive concept (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, recitation of ranges
of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method
of referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. Also, the steps of all methods described herein can
be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. An exemplary
embodiment is not limited to the described order of the steps. The
use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such
as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate
exemplary embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope
of the inventive concept unless otherwise claimed. Numerous
modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope.
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